README web version of /home/usg/OPS/MTS/readme_xml/readme_81086600

Principal Investigator Email Address

• casella@science.uva.nl

Estimated Total Execution Time (hours, including overheads)

• 13

General Description

• The main objective is to study the evolution of linear polarization
  in X-ray binary black hole transients (BHT) during outburst, in J, H and 
  Ks-bands. Once a trigger is activated for a given BHT, we request 4/5 
  consecutive nights of observation of tis run. We do not expect trigger 
  strategy to cange from nigt-to-nigt, however in case it does (e.g. the source
  becomes too bright or too faint suddenly), we will contact the observing 
  astronomer.
  
  Since most of the BHTs are near the galactic plane, we expect to find a few
  field stars even using only half of the total FOV. Therefore we have chosen 
  small offsets so that the source stays in the FOV of the polarimetric mask
  during all exposures. The offsets are semi-random so as to ensure that the 
  frames do no fall on any same row/column. More details on the observing 
  strategy is given in "Special Execution Requirements" section.

Waiver Requests

• No Waiver Request was submitted

Critical Observing Condition Constraints

• none

Time-Critical Aspects

• none

Special Execution Requirements

• For each target (science as well as calibration) we have created separate
   
  OBs for J, H and Ks filters so that the total time required for the 
  execution of any OB is less than an hour. During the observation of a source
  (science as well as calibration) we would like the OBs to be executed in the
  following order: (1) First the Ks-band, then (2) J-band and finally (3) H-band.
  This is to ensure that in the event of any deterioration in weather conditions,
  we can get the polarization measurements of the two farthest wavelength bands.
  We will indicate this in the ToO activation request.
  
  Also since the brightness of the source is unknown, therefore for each filter,
  we have prepared OBs that are suitable for different brightness. The naming 
  convention used for the science target OBs is: 
  ToO_080.D-0844A__.obx
  
  The source will be observed comtemporaneously using the CTIO 1.3m and/or other 
  OIR telescopes which will allow us to know the source brightness in advance 
  before initiating the VLT run. As indicated above, we will use the 
  appropriate OB depending on the source brightness.
  
  If the OBs for one particular target are executed consecutively, then the
  acquisition template (ISAAC_img_acq_Polarimetry) can be executed only for the
  first (Ks-band) OB and then the acquisition can be skipped for the rest of the
  OBs (for the same target). This will also help in saving some observing time.

Special Calibration Information

• We *DO NOT* need the calibration sources to be observed every night.
  Since the source position is unknown, we have provided OBs with finder
  charts for a number of calibration sources scattered over the entire sky.
  Once the source position is known, we will consult with the observing 
  astronomer to choose the proper calibration sources.

ToO Information

• ToO Observations

ToO Activators List

• Dipankar Maitra maitra@science.uva.nl, D.Maitra@uva.nl
  Piergiorgio Casella casella@science.uva.nl

Is this a Pre-imaging run ?

• false

Pre-imaging Requirements

• ---(Empty)---

Source(s) of Pre-imaging

• ---(Empty)---

Pre-imaging sources not listed above

• ---(Empty)---

Do all your OBs comply with the instrument-specific requirements listed
 on the instrument-specific Phase 2 web page ?

• YES

If this is a pre-imaging run, did you select PRE-IMAGING for the Observing
 Category for each Observing Template ?

• N/A

Do all your finding charts comply with both the general and instrument-specific
 Phase 2 Web Pages ?

• YES

If you submitted OBs for standard stars, did you specify the magnitude
 and spectral type of all standard stars in the OBs ?

• YES

Have you included OBs for any calibrations that you need but which are
 not part of the Calibration Plan ?

• YES

If you are observing Moving Targets, have you attached suitable ephemeris
 files to your OBs?

• N/A

If you have preferences which OBs should be executed first, did you make
 use of the User Priority field in the OBs ?

• YES

If this is a run that requires coordinated observations with other facilities,
 did you give proper instructions in the Time-Critical Aspects Section ?

• N/A

If you submitted OBs for standard stars, did you use the provided StandardStar
 templates ?

• N/A

If you are using a specific offset pattern or position angle, did you
 check carefully the definition in the manual ?

• YES

If you are doing spectroscopy, did you draw the slit on the Finding Charts
 ?

• N/A

Did you enter the magnitude of the brightest star in the field-of-view
 in the 'Instrument Comments' field of each OB ?

• YES

If you use the MoveToPixel acquisition, have you given clear instructions
 on the FC and in the OB comment section as to how the field should be centered ?

• N/A